BENEFIT ON TWO HOMES
What is Benefit on Two Homes?
Housing Benefit should normally be paid for a rent liability
on one home only at any time.
There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule.
These are as follows:
- Fear of Violence
If a person has left home and intends to return but is unable
to do so due to fear of violence it is possible to award benefit.
It can be paid on that home and the new temporary home until the
fear of violence is lifted or up to a maximum period of 52
weeks.
- One Member of a Couple is a Student or Trainee
Couples who are living in separate accommodation when one
partner is a student or is away from home attending a training
course can receive benefit for both properties.
It would have to be proved that it is unavoidable and it is reasonable to pay on two homes.
There is no time limit on this award.
- Large Families
It is possible to pay Housing Benefit on Two Homes if our
Housing Department has housed a family in two separate houses
because the family is too large to be accommodated in one
home.
Both homes must have been provided by the Housing Department but not necessarily owned by them.
Both homes must have been provided by the Housing Department but not necessarily owned by them.
The properties would normally be next door to each other or within a few streets.
Benefit would not be considered if any other body apart from our own Housing Department has placed them there.
There is no time limit on this award.
- Unavoidable overlap of liability of Two Homes
Housing Benefit can only be considered for this reason when
the following circumstances are met
The move from one home to another is permanent
The claimant has moved out of the former home and into the new
one.
The claim is to cover the overlap of tenancies for the former
home
The liability of rent on both properties was
unavoidable.
- Delay moving in to a new home while it is being adapted to meet a disabled persons needs
If you are liable to pay rent on two homes for this reason you
will be able to claim on both properties.
This will be for up to four weeks while work is carried out on the new home to adapt it to the disablement needs of yourself or a member of your family who lives with you.
This will be for up to four weeks while work is carried out on the new home to adapt it to the disablement needs of yourself or a member of your family who lives with you.
How Do I make a Claim for Housing Benefit on Two
Homes?
You can make a request in several ways: -
- Contact our office by telephone and a form will be sent to you
- Visit our Customer Service Desk or any of the other Council Offices that deal with benefit issues
- Download a copy of the form for Housing Benefit on Two Homes
- Write a letter to our office giving full details and dates of any changes
The application form for Housing Benefit on Two Homes is available on our download page.
How will I know if my request has been successful?
A letter will be sent to you advising of decision.
What can I do if my request is turned down?
You can appeal.
Who do I contact to see how my claim is getting
on?